Storage Devices, Loading Devices, Delivery Systems, Kits, and Associated Methods

ABSTRACT

Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 16/503,675, filed Jul. 5, 2019, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/694,660, filed on Jul. 6, 2018. Theentire disclosure of each of these related applications is herebyincorporated by reference into this disclosure.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to storage devices, loadingdevices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantablemedical devices.

BACKGROUND

Various implantable medical devices have been developed that provide amechanism for treating various disorders. For example, one potentialclinical application for an implantable valve is to treat chronic venousinsufficiency, in which the natural valves in the veins of the lowerextremities are incompetent, causing reflux, elevated venous pressuresand reduced blood flow. Another clinical application for an implantablevalve is to treat pulmonary insufficiency, which is a condition in whichthe pulmonary valve is incompetent and allows backflow from thepulmonary artery to the right ventricle of the heart. The implantablevalve can include a mechanical construct and a graft material. Incertain valve constructs, the valve graft material may require that theimplantable valve be stored in a wet condition to maintain the integrityof the graft material. For example, the implantable valve can be storedin a chemical solution, such as glutaraldehyde, which requires that thesolution be rinsed from the implantable valve prior to implantation. Theneed for rinsing is common practice in the bioprosthetic valve field.For example, when heart valves are stored in a solution, such asglutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, it is common practice that the valve beremoved from a storage container, rinsed in bowls of saline at thepatient's bedside, and loaded into the delivery system prior to theimplant procedure, which increases the likelihood of contamination ofthe implantable medical device.

Therefore, a need exists for new and useful storage devices, loadingdevices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, andmethods are described herein.

An example storage device comprises a storage member, a first cap, and asecond cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a mainbody that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, aseparating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway extends fromthe first opening to the second opening and has a first portion and asecond portion. The separating wall extends into the passageway at alocation between the first end and the second end. The first portion ofthe passageway extends from the first end of the storage member to theseparating wall and the second portion of the passageway extends fromthe second end of the storage member to the separating wall. The secondportion is sized and configured to house an implantable medical device.Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating walland provides access between the first portion of the passageway and thesecond portion of the passageway. The first cap is releasably attachedto the first end of the storage member. The second cap is releasablyattached to the second end of the storage member.

An example loading device comprises a storage member, a first cap, aloading member, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, asecond end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a secondopening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. Thepassageway extends from the first opening to the second opening and hasa first portion and a second portion. The separating wall extends intothe passageway at a location between the first end and the second end.The first portion of the passageway extends from the first end of thestorage member to the separating wall and the second portion of thepassageway extends from the second end of the storage member to theseparating wall. The second portion is sized and configured to house animplantable medical device. Each hole of the plurality of holes extendsthrough the separating wall and provides access between the firstportion of the passageway and the second portion of the passageway. Thefirst cap is releasably attached to the first end of the storage member.The loading member is releasably attached to the second end of thestorage member and has a first end, a second end, and a main body thatdefines a first opening, a second opening, and a passageway that extendsfrom the first opening to the second opening. The passageway of theloading member has a first portion, a second portion, a third portion,and a fourth portion. The first portion of the passageway of the loadingmember extends from the first end of the loading member to the secondportion of the passageway of the loading member and has a first insidediameter. The second portion of the passageway of the loading memberextends from the first portion of the passageway of the loading memberto the third portion of the passageway of the loading member and has asecond inside diameter that tapers from the first portion of thepassageway of the loading member to the third portion of the passagewayof the loading member. The third portion of the passageway of theloading member extends from the second portion of the passageway of theloading member to the fourth portion of the passageway of the loadingmember and has a third inside diameter that is less than the firstinside diameter of the first portion of the passageway of the loadingmember. The second cap is releasably attached to the second end of theloading member.

An example delivery system comprises a sheath, an elongate member, atip, and a gripping member. The sheath has a first end, a second end, alength, and a main body that defines a lumen. The length of the sheathextends from the first end to the second end. The lumen extends throughthe entire length of the sheath. The elongate member has a lengthwiseaxis, a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines an outersurface, and a notch. The notch extends into the main body of theelongate member from the outer surface, toward the lengthwise axis, andtoward the second end of the elongate member at an angle that is greaterthan 0 degrees relative to the lengthwise axis. The tip is disposed onthe second end of the elongate member and has a first end and a secondend. The gripping member is attached to the elongate member between thenotch and the first end of the tip. The gripping member has a first end,a second end, a length, and a main body. The gripping member is sizedand configured to be disposed within the sheath. The notch is disposedbetween the first end of the elongate member and the gripping member.

An example kit comprises a storage device, a device guard, a deliverysystem, and a loading member. The storage device comprises a storagemember, a first cap, and a second cap. Another example kit comprises aloading device, a device guard, and a delivery system. The loadingdevice comprises a storage member, a first cap, a loading member, and asecond cap.

An example method of sterilizing an implantable medical devicecomprises: inserting an implantable medical device into a storagemember; attaching a first cap to the storage member; introducing asterilizing material into the storage member; introducing a holdingmaterial into the storage member such that the sterilizing material isremoved from the storage member; attaching a second cap to the storagemember.

An example method of storing an implantable medical device comprises:inserting a sterilized implantable medical device into a storage member;attaching a first cap to the storage member; introducing a holdingmaterial into the storage member; attaching a second cap to the storagemember.

An example method of rinsing an implantable medical device comprises:attaching a device that includes a rinsing material to a one-way valveof a storage device; introducing the rinsing material into the storagedevice such that it passes through the storage device; stopping the stepof introducing the rinsing material into the storage device.

An example method of loading an implantable medical device onto adelivery system comprises: removing a cap from a storage membercontaining an implantable medical device; removing a diffuser from thestorage member; attaching a device guard to the storage member; removinga second cap; attaching the storage member to a loading member of aguide system; applying an axial force on a portion of a delivery systemsuch that it is passed through the storage member and partially disposedwithin the device guard; positioning a loading puller within a notchdefined by a cannula of the delivery system; applying an axial force onthe cannula of the delivery system away from the storage member untilthe loading puller moves to its uncompressed configuration and is freeof the implantable medical device; removing the loading puller from thedelivery system and loading member; applying an axial force on a sheathof the delivery system toward the loading member while maintaining theposition of the cannula until the sheath contacts the loading member;applying an axial force on the cannula while maintaining the position ofthe sheath such that the cannula is withdrawn from the loading memberand the medical device is advanced into the sheath; removing thedelivery system from the loading member.

Another example method of loading an implantable medical device onto adelivery system comprises: removing a cap from a storage membercontaining an implantable medical device; removing a diffuser from thestorage member; attaching a device guard to the storage member; applyingan axial force on a portion of a delivery system such that it is passedthrough the storage member and partially disposed within the deviceguard; positioning a loading puller within a notch defined by a cannulaof the delivery system; applying an axial force on the cannula of thedelivery system until the loading puller moves to its uncompressedconfiguration and is free of the implantable medical device; removingthe loading puller from the delivery system and loading member; applyingan axial force on a sheath of the delivery system toward the loadingmember while maintaining the position of the cannula until the sheathcontacts the loading member; applying an axial force on the cannulawhile maintaining the position of the sheath such that the cannula iswithdrawn from the loading member and the medical device is advancedinto the sheath; removing the delivery system from the loading member.

Additional understanding of the example storage devices, loadingdevices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods can be obtainedby review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a first example storagedevice taken along the lengthwise axis of the storage member.

FIG. 2 is an end view of the storage member illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage member illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second example storage devicetaken along the lengthwise axis of the storage member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device guard illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a third example storagedevice taken along the lengthwise axis of the storage member.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the storage member illustrated in FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth example storagedevice.

FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the storage deviceillustrated in FIG. 8 taken along the lengthwise axis of the storagemember.

FIG. 10 is an end view of the storage member illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the storage member illustrated in FIG.8.

FIG. 12 is a magnified view of area I-I illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the diffuser illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the diffuser illustrated in FIG.8.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a fifth example embodiment of a storagedevice.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device illustrated inFIG. 15 taken along the lengthwise axis of the storage member.

FIG. 16A is an elevation view of the loading puller illustrated in FIG.16.

FIG. 16B is a partial elevation view of a loading puller attached to animplantable medical device.

FIG. 17 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of a first exampleloading device taken along the lengthwise axis of the loading member.

FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a second example loading device.

FIG. 19 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the loading deviceillustrated in FIG. 18 taken along the lengthwise axis of the storagemember.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the loading member illustrated in FIG.18.

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the loading member illustrated inFIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is an end view of the loading member illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 23 is an end view of the second cap illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the storage member illustrated in FIG.18.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the first cap illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 18.

FIG. 27 is an elevation view of a first example delivery system.

FIG. 28 is a magnified view of area II-II illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an elevation view of a second example delivery system.

FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of a third example deliverysystem.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative tip that can be includedon an elongate member of a delivery system.

FIG. 32 is an elevation view of the tip illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 32A is a perspective view of another alternative tip that can beincluded on an elongate member of a delivery system.

FIG. 32B is an elevation view of the tip illustrated in FIG. 32A.

FIG. 32C is a perspective view of an alternative device guard that canbe included on a storage device or loading device.

FIG. 32D is an elevation view of the device guard illustrated in FIG.32C.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an example guide system.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the guide board illustrated in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the loading member illustrated in FIG.33.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the guide member illustrated in FIG.33.

FIG. 37 illustrates an example kit that includes a storage device.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example kit that includes a loading device.

FIG. 39 is a schematic illustration of an example method of sterilizingan implantable medical device.

FIG. 40 illustrates an implantable medical device stored within anexample storage member.

FIG. 41 is a schematic illustration of another example method ofsterilizing an implantable medical device.

FIG. 42 illustrates an implantable medical device stored within anexample storage member.

FIG. 43 is a schematic illustration of an example method storing animplantable medical device.

FIG. 44 is a schematic illustration of an example method of rinsing animplantable medical device.

FIG. 45 is a schematic illustration of an example method of loading animplantable medical device onto a delivery system.

FIG. 46 illustrates a storage member attached to a loading member of aguide system.

FIG. 47 illustrates a delivery system partially disposed within a deviceguard and a loading puller disposed within a notch defined by a cannula.

FIG. 47A is a magnified view of area III-III illustrated in FIG. 47.

FIG. 48 illustrates a loading puller in an uncompressed configuration.

FIG. 49 illustrates a sheath contacting the loading puller.

FIG. 50 is a schematic illustration of another example method of loadingan implantable medical device onto a delivery system.

FIG. 51 illustrates a delivery system partially disposed within a deviceguard and a loading puller disposed within a notch defined by a cannula.

FIG. 51A is a magnified view of area IV-IV illustrated in FIG. 51.

FIG. 52 illustrates a loading puller in an uncompressed configuration.

FIG. 52A is a magnified view of area V-V illustrated in FIG. 52.

FIG. 53 illustrates a sheath contacting a loading member.

FIG. 53A is a magnified view of area VI-VI illustrated in FIG. 53.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate various example embodiments of storage devices, loadingdevices, delivery systems, kits, and methods. The description andillustration of these examples are provided to enable one skilled in theart to make and use a storage device, a loading device, a deliverysystem, to make a kit, and to practice a method. They are not intendedto limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

As used herein, the term “diameter” refers to the length of a straightline passing from side to side through the center of a body, element, orfeature, and does not impart any structural configuration on the body,element, or feature.

As used herein, the term “circumferential” refers to an enclosingboundary of a body, element, or feature, and does not impart anystructural configuration on the body, element, or feature.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate a first example storage device 10 thatincludes a storage member 12, a first cap 14, and a second cap 16. Inthe illustrated embodiment, each of the first cap 14 and the second cap16 is releasably attached to the storage member 12.

The storage member 12 has a lengthwise axis 13, a first end 20, a secondend 22, and a main body 24 that defines a circumferential wall 26, afirst opening 28, a second opening 30, a passageway 32, a separatingwall 34, and a plurality of holes 36. The passageway 32 extends throughthe storage member 12 from the first opening 28 to the second opening 30and has a first portion 38 that extends from the first end 20 to theseparating wall 34 and a second portion 40 that extends from the secondend 22 to the separating wall 34. The first portion 38 has a firstinside diameter 39. The second portion 40 has a second inside diameter41 at the separating wall 34 that is less than the first inside diameter39 and a third inside diameter 43 at the second end 22 that is equal tothe first inside diameter 39 such that the second portion 40 tapers fromthe second end 22 to the separating wall 34 (e.g., creating a partialcone). In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 40 is sized andconfigured to house an implantable medical device, as described in moredetail herein. The separating wall 34 extends into the passageway 32 ata location between the first end 20 and the second end 22 that ispositioned closer to the first end 20. The separating wall 34 defines athrough hole 42 that has inside diameter 45 that is less than the secondinside diameter 41 of the second portion 40. Each hole of the pluralityof holes 36 extends through the separating wall 34 and provides accessbetween the first portion 38 of the passageway 32 and the second portion40 of the passageway 32 such that a fluid passed through the storagemember 12 can pass over the outside and inside surfaces of a medicaldevice disposed within the second portion of the passageway 40. Eachhole of the plurality of holes 36 is equally spaced from an adjacenthole of the plurality of holes 36 and is disposed the same distance fromthe circumferential wall 26 relative to the other holes of the pluralityof holes 36.

While the storage member 12 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a storage member can have any suitablestructural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a storage member can be based on various considerations,including the type of implantable medical device intended to be storedwithin the storage member. For example, while the passageway 32 has beenillustrated as having a first portion 38 and a second portion 40, apassageway defined by a main body of a storage member can have anysuitable number of portions, such as one, at least one, two, aplurality, three, four, and any other number considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. While the second portion 40 has been illustratedas having a second inside diameter 41 at the separating wall 34 that isless than the first inside diameter 39 and a third inside diameter 43 atthe second end 22 that is equal to the first inside diameter 39, asecond portion can have any suitable inside diameters. For example, asecond portion can have a second inside diameter at the separating wallthat is equal to, less than, greater than, or about a first insidediameter of a first portion and/or a third inside diameter at a secondend that is equal to, less than, greater than, or about the first insidediameter. While the separating wall 34 has been illustrated aspositioned closer to the first end 20, a separating wall can bepositioned at any suitable location between the first and second ends ofa storage member. For example, a separating wall can be disposed in thecenter of a storage member between first and second ends, or positionedcloser to a second end of a storage member. While the storage member 12has been illustrated as defining a plurality of holes 36 such that eachhole of the plurality of holes 36 is equally spaced from an adjacenthole of the plurality of holes 36 and is disposed the same distance fromthe circumferential wall 26 relative to the other holes of the pluralityof holes 36, a storage member can include any suitable number of holespositioned in any suitable orientation. Examples of numbers of holesconsidered suitable for a main body of a storage member to define on aseparating wall include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three,four, five, more than five, more than ten, and any other numberconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of positionsconsidered suitable to locate a plurality of holes include such thateach hole of a plurality of holes is equally spaced, or irregularlyspaced, from an adjacent hole of the plurality of holes and is disposedthe same distance, or a varied distance, from a circumferential wallrelative to the other holes of the plurality of holes.

Each of the first cap 14 and the second cap 16 is sized and configuredto be releasably attached to the storage member 12. The first cap 14 isreleasably attached to the first end 20 of the storage member 12 and thesecond cap 16 is releasably attached to the second end 22 of the storagemember. When attached to the storage member 12, each of the first cap 14and the second cap 16 seals the passageway 32 defined by the storagemember 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first cap 14 andthe second cap 16 defines threads that mate with threads defined by thestorage member 12 to achieve releasable attachment between the storagemember 12 and the first and second caps 14, 16.

While the first cap 14 has been illustrated as being threadably attachedto the storage member 12 and the second cap 16 has been illustrated asbeing threadably attached to the storage member 12, a first cap and asecond cap can be attached to a storage member using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment and selection of a suitable techniqueor method of attachment between the cap and a storage member can bebased on various considerations, including the material(s) that formsthe cap and/or storage member. Examples of techniques and methods ofattachment considered suitable between a cap and a storage memberinclude using threaded connections, threaded connections using a threaddisposed on an exterior surface of a storage member to avoid rotation ofthe storage member (e.g., to avoid disruption of an implantable medicaldevice stored in the storage device during attachment of a cap), snapfit attachments, using one or more connectors, one or more mating slotsand projections, one or more sealed unions, tapered attachments (e.g.,morse taper), and any other technique or method of attachment consideredsuitable for a particular application.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another example storage device 110. The storagedevice 110 is similar to the storage device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1,2, and 3 and described above, except as detailed below. The storagedevice 110 includes a storage member 112, a first cap 114, and a secondcap 116. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first cap 114 andthe second cap 116 defines structure that mates with structure definedby the storage member 112 to achieve a releasable snap fit attachmentbetween the storage member 112 and the first and second caps 114, 116.

In the illustrated embodiment, the storage member 112 includes a port121 extending from the main body 124 and a first two-way valve 123attached to the port 121. In addition, the second cap 116 defines apassageway 125 that extends through the main body of the second cap 116that is in communication with a second two-way valve 127. Thisstructural arrangement provides a mechanism for sterilizing and/orrinsing an implantable medical device stored in the storage device 110,decreasing the complexity of sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/orloading an implantable medical device, and minimizing the riskassociated with handling an implantable medical device that is intendedto be positioned within the storage device. In an alternativeembodiment, the port 121, the first two-way valve 123, the passageway125, and/or the second two-way valve 127 can be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 114 comprises a deviceguard 146 that is releasably attached to the first end 120 of thestorage member 112 and partially extends into the passageway 132 definedby the storage member 112. The device guard 146 has a lengthwise axis147, a first end 148, a second end 150, and a main body 152 that definesa base 154, a first projection 156, a second projection 158, and arecess 160. The base 154 is disposed between the first end 148 and thesecond end 150 and is sized and configured to be releasably attachedwithin the passageway 132 of the storage member 112. In the illustratedembodiment, the base 154 has an outside diameter 155, a first side 162,a second side 164, and is sized and configured to be releasably attachedto the storage member 112 within the passageway 132 using a snap fitattachment between the device guard 146 and the storage member 112.Thus, the storage member 112 and the device guard 146 define matingstructure that achieves a releasable snap fit attachment between thestorage member 112 and the device guard 146.

The first projection 156 extends from the first side 162 to the firstend 148 and the second projection 158 extends from the second side 164to the second end 150. The first projection 156 has an outside diameter157 that tapers from the base 154 to the first end 148, which provides amechanism for positioning an implantable medical device between thefirst projection 156 and the storage member 112. The second projection158 has a first outside diameter 149 at the base 154, a second outsidediameter 151 between the base 154 and the second end 150, and a thirdoutside diameter 153 at the second end 150. The second outside diameter151 is less than the first outside diameter 149 and the third outsidediameter 153 is less than the second outside diameter 151. The recess160 extends from the first end 148 toward the second end 150 to a recessbase 166 and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a deliverysystem, as described in more detail herein. The recess 160 has a firstportion 168, a second portion 170, and a third portion 172. The firstportion 168 has an inside diameter 167 that increases from the first end148 to the second portion 170. The second portion 170 has an insidediameter 169 that tapers from the first portion 168 to the third portion172. The third portion 172 has an inside diameter 171 that is less thanthe inside diameter 169 of the second portion 170. Each of the firstportion 168 and the second portion 170 has a partial conicalconfiguration and the third portion 172 is sized and configured to matewith a portion of a delivery system (e.g., tip 1516) such that theportion of the delivery system is rotationally fixed relative to thedevice guard 146 when disposed within the third portion 172, asdescribed in more detail herein. In the illustrated embodiment, thethird portion 172 defines a planar surface 173 that extends from thesecond portion 170 to the recess base 166 that is sized and configuredto mate with a portion of a tip (e.g., planar surface 1572 of tip 1516)of a delivery system, as described in more detail herein. When attachedto the storage member 112, the device guard 146 is positioned such thatthe first projection 156 extends through the through hole 142 of theseparating wall 134. During use, the device guard 146 acts as amechanical stop to advancement of a delivery system through a storagemember, as described in more detail herein.

While the device guard 146 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a device guard can have any suitable structuralarrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement for adevice guard can be based on various considerations, including the typeof implantable medical device intended to be implanted using a storagedevice of which the device guard is a component. For example, while thedevice guard 146 has been illustrated as a single component, a deviceguard can be formed as multiple components (e.g., base, firstprojection, second projection) releasably attached, or fixedly attached,to one another, a first projection can have a constant outside diameteralong its length, a second projection can have a constant outsidediameter along its length, and/or a first portion can have an insidediameter that is constant from first end to second portion. While eachof the first portion 168 and the second portion 170 has been illustratedas having a partial conical configuration and the third portion 172 hasbeen illustrated as having a planar surface 173 that extends from thesecond portion 170 to the recess base 166, a recess defined by a deviceguard can have any suitable configuration. For example, a recess candefine any structural arrangement that is sized and configured toreceive any suitable portion of a delivery system (e.g., portion of atip, entire tip) and/or rotationally fix a portion of a delivery systemwhen disposed within the device guard. While device guard 146 has beenillustrated as being releasably attached to storage member 112, anysuitable device guard, such as those described herein (e.g., deviceguard 715, device guard 1714), can be releasably attached to a storagemember.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another example storage device 210. The storagedevice 210 is similar to the storage device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1,2, and 3 and described above, except as detailed below. The storagedevice 210 includes a storage member 212, a first cap 214, and a secondcap 216.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 240 has a secondinside diameter 241 at the separating wall 234 that is equal to thefirst inside diameter 239 such that the second portion 240 has aconstant inside diameter 241 from the separating wall 234 to the secondend 222 (e.g., creating a cylinder). In addition, each hole of theplurality of holes 236 defined by the main body 224 of the storagemember 212 is not equally spaced from an adjacent hole of the pluralityof holes 236 and is disposed a different distance from thecircumferential wall 226 relative to the other holes of the plurality ofholes 236. The main body 224 of the storage member 212 defines first andsecond projections 276, 278 that extend from the circumferential wall226, a first passageway 280 that extends through the first projection276, and a second passageway 282 that extends through the secondprojection 278. The projections 276, 278 and the passageways 280, 282are sized and configured to mate with a loading member and/or guidemember, as described in more detail herein, such that the storage member212 can be releasably attached to the loading member and/or guidemember. While the storage member 212 has been illustrated as including aspecific structural arrangement to accomplish releasable attachment to aloading member and/or guide member, any suitable structure can be usedto accomplish such a releasable attachment. Any embodiment of a storagemember described herein can optionally include one or more projections(e.g., projections 276, 278) and one or more passageways (e.g.,passageways 280, 282) such that the storage member can releasablyattached to a loading member and/or guide member and be used with aguide system, as described in more detail herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second cap 216 is releasably attachedto the second end 222 of the storage member 212. The second cap 216 hasa lengthwise axis 283, a first end 284, a second end 286, and a mainbody 288 that defines a passageway 290 that extends through the secondcap 216. The passageway 290 has a first portion 292, a second portion294, and a third portion 296. The first portion 292 extends from thefirst end 284 toward the second end 286 and has a first inside diameter291. The second portion 294 extends from the first portion 292 to thethird portion 296 and has a second inside diameter 293 that tapers fromthe first portion 292 to the third portion 296.

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 illustrate another example storagedevice 310. The storage device 310 is similar to the storage device 210illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and described above, except as detailedbelow. The storage device 310 includes a storage member 312, a first cap314, a second cap 316, a first one-way valve 410, a second one-way valve412, and a diffuser 414.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inside diameter of the second portion340 of the storage member 312 has a second inside diameter 341 at theseparating wall 334 that positions the circumferential wall 326 in thesecond portion 340 such that it partially obstructs the plurality ofholes 336. As shown FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 the main body 324 of thestorage member 312 defines a plurality of recesses 416. Each recess ofthe plurality of recesses 416 extends into the circumferential wall 326to a recess base 418 and extends from the separating wall 334 toward thesecond end 322. In the illustrated embodiment, each recess of theplurality of recesses 416 extends to the second end 322. Each recess ofthe plurality of recesses 416 is in communication with a hole of theplurality of holes 336 and has a first width 415 at the separating wall334 at the recess base 418 and a second width 417 between the separatingwall 334 and the second end 322 at the recess base 418 that is greaterthan the first width 415. By positioning each recess of the plurality ofrecesses 416 such that it is adjacent to and in communication with ahole of the plurality of holes 336, fluid passed through the storagemember 312 from the first one-way valve 410 toward the second one-wayvalve 412 can flow through the plurality of holes 336 and within theplurality of recesses 416 to increase the amount of fluid that contactsany implantable medical device disposed within the storage member 312.The through hole 342 defined by the main body 324 of the storage member312 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the diffuser 414, asdescribed in more detail herein.

While each recess of the plurality of recesses 416 has been illustratedas extending from the separating wall 334 to the second 322, as being incommunication with a hole of the plurality of holes 336, and having afirst width 415 at the separating wall 334 at the recess base 418 and asecond width 417 between the separating wall 334 and the second end 322at the recess base 418 that is greater than the first width 415, eachrecess can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of asuitable structural arrangement for each recess included in a storagemember can be based on various considerations, including the structuralarrangement of an implantable medical device intended to be disposedwithin the storage member. For example, a storage member can define anysuitable number of recesses, such as one, at least one, two, aplurality, three, four, five, more than five, more than ten, and anyother number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. A recessincluded on a storage member can extend any suitable length of a storagemember. For example, a recess, or each recess of a plurality ofrecesses, can extend from a separating wall to a second end of a storagemember, from a separating wall to a location between the separating walland the second end, from a location between a separating wall and asecond end to the second end, from a first location between a separatingwall and a second end to a second location between the first locationand the second end, and any other length of a storage member consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. A recess included on a storagemember can have any suitable width along its length. For example, arecess, or each recess of a plurality of recesses, can have a firstwidth at a first end (e.g., at a separating wall) at a recess base and asecond width at a second end (e.g., between a separating wall and asecond end) at a recess base that is greater than, less than, equal to,or about the first width. A recess included on a storage member can haveany suitable structural arrangement, such as curved, cuboidal,prismatic, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable fora particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second cap 316 is releasably attachedto the second end 322 of the storage member 312. The passageway 390 ofthe second cap 316 has a first portion 392, a second portion 394, athird portion 396, and a fourth portion 398. The first portion 392extends from the first end 384 toward the second end 386 and has a firstinside diameter 391. The second portion 394 extends from the firstportion 392 to the third portion 396 and has a second inside diameter393 that tapers from the first portion 392 to the third portion 396. Thethird portion 396 extends from the second portion 394 to the fourthportion 398 and has an inside diameter 395 that tapers from the secondportion 394 to the fourth portion 398. The fourth portion 398 extendsfrom the third portion 396 to the second end 386 and has an insidediameter 397 that is sized and configured to allow fluid to pass throughthe passageway 390 to the second one-way valve 412, as described in moredetail herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 314 has a first end 420, asecond end 422, and a main body 424 that defines a passageway 426 and arecess 428. The passageway 426 extends from the first end 420 to therecess 428 and is sized and configured to allow fluid to pass throughthe passageway 426. The first one-way valve 410 is releasably attachedto the first end 420 of the first cap 314 and the second one-way valve412 is releasably attached to the second end 386 of the second cap 316.Each of the first and second one-way valves 410, 412 has a first opening430, a second opening 432, and is adapted to allow fluid to pass throughthe valve in one direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstone-way valve 410 is adapted to allow fluid to pass through the valvefrom the first opening 430 to the second opening 432 and the secondone-way valve 412 is adapted to allow fluid to pass through the valvefrom the second opening 432 to the first opening 430. In alternativeembodiments, a first one-way valve and/or second one-way valve can beomitted from a storage device and/or loading device, as described inmore detail herein, and a first cap can define a recess and omit theinclusion of a passageway, a second cap can define a recess and omit theinclusion of a passageway, and/or a loading member can define a recessand omit the inclusion of a passageway. Alternatively, a first one-wayvalve and/or second one-way valve can be omitted from a storage deviceand/or loading device, as described in more detail herein, and a cap canbe disposed on a first end of a first cap, a second end of a second cap,and/or a second end of a loading member to seal the passageway definedby the first cap, the passageway defined by the second cap, and/or thepassageway defined by the loading member such that fluid cannot passthrough the passageway(s). Alternatively, a first one-way valve and/orsecond one-way valve can be omitted from a storage device and/or loadingdevice, as described in more detail herein, and a first two-way valveand/or second two-way valve can be included in the storage device and/orloading device in place of any one-way valves. Alternatively, a firstone-way valve and/or second one-way valve included in a storage devicecan be permanently fixed to a cap, disposed within a recess defined by acap, or other component, of the storage device.

The diffuser 414 is releasably disposed within the first portion 338 ofthe passageway 332 and the through hole 342 of the separating wall 334.As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the diffuser 414 has a first end 434, asecond end 436, a base 438, and a frame 440. The base 438 extends fromthe second end 436 toward the first end 434 to the frame 440 and issized and configured to be received by the through hole 342 of theseparating wall 334. The base 438 has an outside diameter 439 that isequal to the inside diameter 345 of the through hole 342. Alternativeembodiments, however, can include a diffuser that has a base with anoutside diameter that is less than, greater than, or about, an insidediameter of a through hole. The storage member 312 and the diffuser 414define mating structure that achieves a snap-fit attachment between thebase 438 of the diffuser 414 and the separating wall 334 of the storagemember 312. The frame 440 extends from the base 438 to the first end 434and has a plurality of struts 442 that define a plurality of openings446 that are sized and configured to allow a fluid to pass through theframe 432 during use. The diffuser 414 provides a mechanism fordispersing a fluid passed through the storage member 312 during use suchthat the fluid can pass through the plurality of holes 336 and/orthrough the through hole 342 in embodiments in which the base 438 of thediffuser 414 does not seal the through hole 342. In alternativeembodiments, a diffuser can be omitted from a storage device and/orloading device, as described in more detail herein.

While the diffuser 414 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement and as being releasably disposed within a firstportion of a storage member, a diffuser can have any suitable structuralarrangement and can be positioned within a storage member in anysuitable technique. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for adiffuser and of a suitable technique to position a diffuser within astorage member can be based on various considerations, including thestructural arrangement of a storage member within which the diffuser isdisposed. Examples of suitable techniques for positioning a diffuserwithin a storage member include such that a diffuser is releasablydisposed within a first portion of a storage device, releasably disposedwithin a second portion of a storage device, permanently, or releasably,attached to a cap (e.g., first cap, second cap) of a storage device,permanently, or releasably, attached to a storage member (e.g., within afirst portion of a passageway, within a second portion of a passageway),and any other technique considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

The storage device 310 provides a mechanism for decreasing thecomplexity of sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading animplantable medical device and minimizing the risk associated withhandling an implantable medical device that is intended forimplantation. For example, the storage device 310 provides a mechanismfor sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading an implantable medicaldevice using a closed system that reduces the interaction with theimplantable medical device during sterilization, storing, rinsing,and/or loading.

FIGS. 15, 16, and 16A illustrate another example storage device 510. Thestorage device 510 is similar to the storage device 310 illustrated inFIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 and described above, except asdetailed below. The storage device 510 includes a storage member 512, afirst cap 514, a second cap 516, a first one-way valve 610, a secondone-way valve 612, a diffuser 614, an implantable medical device 650,and a loading puller 652.

In the illustrated embodiment, the implantable member device 650comprises a frame 654 and a material 656 attached to the frame 654. Theimplantable medical device 650 is disposed within the second portion 540of the storage member 512 such that a fluid can pass over the outsideand inside surfaces of the implantable medical device 650 when the fluidis passed through the first portion 538 of the storage member 512 andinto the second portion 540 via the plurality of holes 536 and thethrough hole 542 of the separating wall 534.

In the illustrated embodiment, the loading puller 652 is releasablyattached to the implantable medical device 650 and is partially disposedwithin each of the storage member 512 and the second cap 516. Theloading puller 652 has a lengthwise axis 657, a first end 658, a secondend 660, a length 661, and main body 662 that defines a first bend 664,a second bend 666, a third bend 668, and a fourth bend 670. The firstbend 664 is positioned near the first end 658 between the first end 658and the second bend 666 and the fourth bend 670 is positioned near thesecond end 660 between the second end 660 and the third bend 668 suchthat the loading puller defines two hooked ends 672, 674 that partiallysurround a portion of the frame 654 of the implantable medical device650 when the loading puller 652 is releasably attached to theimplantable medical device 650. The first hooked end 672 is opposablypositioned from the second hooked end 674 relative to a lengthwise axis657 of the loading puller 652. The second bend 666 is disposed betweenthe first bend 664 and the third bend 668 and the third bend 668 isdisposed between the second bend 666 and the fourth bend 670 such thatthe loading puller 652 defines a u-shaped member 676. The loading puller652 is moveable between a first, uncompressed configuration and asecond, compressed configuration. In the compressed configuration, theloading puller 652 has a width disposed between the hooked end 672, 674that is less than the outside diameter of an implantable medical devicesuch that the loading puller 652 can be releasably attached to theimplantable medical device. In the compressed configuration, a portionof the loading puller 652 (e.g., hooked ends 672, 674) is disposedwithin one or more openings 651 defined by a frame of an implantablemedical device 650, such that the loading puller 652 is capable ofapplying axial force on the implantable medical device 650 when axialforce is applied to the loading puller 652, as shown in FIG. 16B. In theuncompressed configuration, the loading puller 652 has a width disposedbetween the hooked ends 672, 674 that is greater than the outsidediameter of the implantable medical device such that the loading pulleris free of the implantable medical device.

While the loading puller 652 has been illustrated as having a particularstructural arrangement, a loading puller can have any suitablestructural arrangement capable of providing releasable attachment to animplantable medical device and advancing the implantable medical devicethrough a storage device and/or loading device, as described in moredetail herein. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for aloading puller can be based on various considerations, such as thestructural arrangement of an implantable medical device to which theloading puller is intended to be attached. For example, while loadingpuller 652 has been illustrated as having a first hooked end 672 that isopposably positioned from a second hooked end 674 relative to thelengthwise axis 657 of the loading puller 652, a first hooked end can bepositioned at any suitable location relative to a second hooked endrelative to a lengthwise axis of the loading puller. While the loadingpuller 652 has been illustrated as defining four bends, a loading pullercan define any suitable number of bends. Examples of numbers of bendsconsidered suitable for a loading puller to define include one, at leastone, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any othernumber considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, aloading puller can define only first and second bends to define firstand second hooked ends and can include a curve defined between the firstbend and the second bend such that the first hooked end is opposablypositioned from the second hooked end. Alternatively, a loading pullercan define only first, second, and third bends to define first andsecond hooked ends and the third bend can be defined between the firstbend and the second bend such that the first hooked end is opposablypositioned from the second hooked end.

A loading puller 652 can be formed of any suitable material and usingany suitable method of manufacture and selection of a suitable materialand method of manufacture can be based on various considerations,including the material forming an implantable medical device to whichthe loading puller is intended to be releasably attached. Examples ofmaterials considered suitable to form a loading puller includebiocompatible materials, materials that can be made biocompatible,metals, shape memory alloys, Nitinol, plastics, and any other materialconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. In the illustratedembodiment, the loading puller is formed of Nitinol.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example loading device 710. The loading device710 includes a loading member 712, a first cap 714, a second cap 716, animplantable medical device 718, and a loading puller 720. Theimplantable medical device 718 is similar to the implantable medicaldevice 650 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 and described above, except asdetailed below. The loading puller 720 is similar to the loading puller652 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 and described above, except asdetailed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the loading member 712 has a lengthwiseaxis 721, a first end 722, a second end 724, and a main body 726 thatdefines a first opening 728, a second opening 730, and a passageway 732.The passageway 732 extends from the first opening 728 to the secondopening 730 and has a first portion 734, a second portion 736, a thirdportion 738, and a fourth portion 740. The passageway 732 is sized andconfigured to house the implantable medical device 718. The firstportion 734 extends from the first end 722 to the second portion 736 andhas an inside diameter 735. The second portion 736 extends from thefirst portion 734 to the third portion 738 and has an inside diameter737 that tapers from the first portion 734 to the third portion 738. Thethird portion 738 extends from the second portion 736 to the second end724 and has an inside diameter 739 that is less than the inside diameter735 of the first portion 734. The fourth portion 740 extends from thethird portion 738 to the second end 724 and has a width 741 that isgreater than the inside diameter 739 of the third portion 738. In use,when the loading puller 720 is pulled through the passageway 732 theloading puller 720 is in its compressed configuration and theimplantable medical device 718 is in its compressed configuration as itsmoves through the second portion 736 of the passageway 732. When theloading puller 720 reaches the fourth portion 740 of the passageway 732it expands to its uncompressed configuration while the implantablemedical device 718 remains in its compressed configuration. While theimplantable medical device 718 is illustrated as being disposed withinthe first portion 734 of the passageway 732, an implantable medicaldevice can be disposed within any suitable portion of a loading member.Depending on the structural arrangement of an implantable medical deviceintended to be positioned within a loading device, a first portion of apassageway can have a constant inside diameter along the length of thefirst portion, an inside diameter that varies along the length of thefirst portion (e.g., tapers from the first end toward the second end,defines a shoulder within the first portion such that a first insidediameter is between the first end and the shoulder and a second insidediameter is between the shoulder and the second end that is greater thanthe first inside diameter), or any other arrangement considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

The second cap 716 is releasably attached to the second end 724 of theloading member 712 and has a first end 742, a second end, 744, and amain body 746 that defines a recess 748 and a recess base 750. Therecess 748 has a first portion 752 and a second portion 754. The firstportion 752 has a first inside diameter 753 and the second portion 754has a second inside diameter 755 that is less than the first insidediameter 753 of the first portion 752. The second portion 754 is sizedand configured to receive a portion of the loading puller 720. Thesecond cap 716 and the loading member 712 define mating structure thatachieves a snap-fit attachment between the second cap 716 and theloading member 712.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 714 comprises a deviceguard 715 that is releasably attached to the first end 722 of theloading member 712 and partially extends into the passageway 732 definedby the loading member 712. The device guard 715 has a first end 756, asecond end 758, and a main body 760 that defines a base 762, a sidewall764, a projection 766, and a recess 768 that extends into the projection766. The base 762 and the sidewall 764 cooperatively define a cavity 770that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the loading member712. The projection 766 extends from the base 762, through the cavity770, and to an environment exterior to the cavity 770. The recess 768extends from the second end 758 toward the first end 756 to a recessbase 769. The recess 768 is sized and configured to receive a portion ofa delivery system, as described in more detail herein. While deviceguard 715 has been illustrated as being releasably attached to loadingmember 712, any suitable device guard, such as those described herein(e.g., device guard 146, device guard 1714), or cap, such as thosedescribed herein (e.g., cap 14), can be releasably attached to a loadingmember. Alternative embodiments can include a device guard that includesa projection that has a length that is greater than, or equal to, a tipof a delivery system or that defines an opening on a first end or ahollowed extension that is sized and configured to receive a portion ofa tip of a delivery system.

In the illustrated embodiment, the loading puller 720 is releasablyattached to the implantable medical device 718 and is partially disposedwithin each of the loading member 712 and the second cap 716.

Optionally, a loading device can include a port (e.g., port 121), afirst two-way valve (e.g., valve 123), a passageway defined on a secondcap (e.g., passageway 125), and a second two-way valve (e.g., valve127). In these embodiments, an implantable medical device can bepositioned within the loading member (e.g., first portion of passageway)and the caps can be positioned on the loading member as described,Subsequently, if not already sterilized, a sterilizing material can bepassed through the loading member using the port to sterilize theimplantable medical device using the first and second two-way valves andany suitable components attached to the valves to pass the sterilizingmaterial through the loading member. After sterilization, a rinsingmaterial can be passed through the loading member using the port torinse the implantable medical device using the first and second two-wayvalves and any suitable components attached to the valves to pass therinsing material through the loading member. Optionally, a holdingmaterial can be passed through the loading member using the port tostore the implantable medical device using the first and second two-wayvalves and any suitable components attached to the valves to pass theholding material through the loading member. This structural arrangementprovides a mechanism for sterilizing, rinsing, and storing animplantable medical device such that the implantable medical device isnot contacted by any component until a delivery system, as describedherein, is used to deliver the implantable medical device.

The loading device 710 provides a mechanism for decreasing thecomplexity of sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading animplantable medical device and minimizing the risk associated withhandling an implantable medical device that is intended forimplantation. For example, the loading device 710 provides a mechanismfor sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading an implantable medicaldevice using a closed system that reduces the interaction with theimplantable medical device during sterilization, storing, rinsing,and/or loading.

FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 illustrate another exampleloading device 810. The loading device 810 includes a storage member812, a first cap 814, a first one-way valve 910, a second one-way valve912, a diffuser 914, a loading member 1012, a second cap 1014, aconnector 1016, and a loading puller 1020. Each of the storage member812, the first cap 814, the first one-way valve 910, the second one-wayvalve 912, and the diffuser 914 is similar respectively to the storagemember 312, the first cap 314, the first one-way valve 410, the secondone-way valve 412, and the diffuser 414 illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, and 14 and described above, except as detailed below. Eachof the loading member 1012 and the second cap 1014 is similarrespectively to the loading member 712 and cap 714 illustrated in FIG.17 and described above, except as detailed below.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 24, the main body 824 of the storage member 812defines first and second posts 1074, 1076, protuberances 1078, and arecess 1079. Each of the first and second posts 1074, 1076 extends fromthe first end 820 and away from the second end 822 to an end 1073. Eachof the posts 1074, 1076 has a first outside diameter 1075 at the end1073 of the post and a second outside diameter 1077 between the end ofthe post and the first end 820 of the first cap 812. The second outsidediameter is less than the first outside diameter. Each protuberance 1078extends from the second end 822 and away from the first end 820 and issized and configured to be received by a recess 1098 defined by theloading member 1012, as shown in FIG. 21. The recess 1079 extends intothe main body 824 from an exterior surface and toward the lengthwiseaxis 813 of the storage member 812. The recess 1079 is sized andconfigured to receive a portion of the connector 1016, as described inmore detail herein.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 25, the diffuser 914 is permanently attached tothe first cap 814, the first one-way valve is permanently attached tothe first cap 814, and the first cap 814 defines first and secondopenings 1080, 1082 that are each sized and configured to receive aportion of a post 1074, 1076 defined by the storage member 812. Eachopening 1080, 1082 has a first portion 1084 sized and configured toreceive the portion of a post 1074, 1076 that has the first outsidediameter 1075 and a second portion 1086 that is sized and configured toreceive the portion of a post 1074, 1076 that has the second outsidediameter 1077. In use, the first cap 814 is positioned on the storagemember 812 such that the first post 1074 is disposed within the firstopening 1080 and the second post 1076 is disposed within the secondopening 1082. After the posts 1074, 1076 have been positioned within theopenings 1080, 1082, the first cap 814 is rotated relative to thestorage member 812 about the lengthwise axis 813 of the storage member812 to achieve releasable attachment between the storage member 812 andthe first cap 814.

In the illustrated embodiment, the loading member 1012 is releasablyattached to the storage member 812 using the connector 1016 and the mainbody 1026 of the loading member 1012 defines a plurality of recesses1088, a first track 1090, a second track 1092, first and second posts1094, 1096, a plurality of recesses 1098, and recess 1099. Each recessof the of the plurality of recesses 1088 extends from the first end 1022of the loading member 1012 toward the second end 1024 and terminates atthe junction between the first portion 1034 and the second portion 1036of the passageway 1032. Each recess of the plurality of recesses 1088has a first width 1087 at the first end 1022 of the loading member 1012and a second width 1089 between the first end 1022 and the second end1024. The first width 1087 is greater than the second width 1089 suchthat each recess of the plurality of recesses tapers from the first end1022 toward the second end 1024. Each of the first track 1090 and thesecond track 1092 extends from the first end 1022 of the loading member1012 to the second end 1024 of the loading member 1012 and is sized andconfigured to receive a portion of the loading puller 1020. Each of thefirst and second tracks 1090, 1092 provides a mechanism to guide theloading puller 1020 through the loading member 1012 during use. Each ofthe first and second posts 1094, 1096 extends from the second end 1024of the loading member 1012 and away from the first end 1022 to an end1093. Each of the posts 1094, 1096 has a first outside diameter 1095 atthe end 1093 of the post and a second outside diameter 1097 between theend 1093 of the post and the second end 1024 of the loading member 1012.The second outside diameter 1097 is less than the first outside diameter1095. Each recess 1098 extends from the first end 1022, into the mainbody 1026 of the loading member 1012, and is sized and configured toreceive a protuberance 1078 defined by the storage member 812. When theprotuberances 1078 are received within the recesses 1098, the pluralityof recesses 916 defined by the storage member 812 is aligned with theplurality of recesses 1088 defined by the loading member 1012. Therecess 1099 extends into the main body 1026 from an exterior surface andtoward the lengthwise axis 1021 of the loading member 1012. The recess1099 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the connector 1016,as described in more detail herein.

While each recess of the plurality of recesses 1088 has been illustratedas extending from the first end 1022 of the loading member 1012 towardthe second end 1024 and terminating at the junction between the firstportion 1034 and the second portion 1036 of the passageway 1032 and ashaving a first width 1087 at the first end 1022 of the loading member1012 and a second width 1089 between the first end 1022 and the secondend 1024 that is less than the first width 1087, each recess can haveany suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for each recess included in a loading member can be based onvarious considerations, including the structural arrangement of animplantable medical device intended to be passed through a loadingmember. For example, a loading member can define any suitable number ofrecesses, such as one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four,five, more than five, more than ten, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. A recess included on a loadingmember can extend any suitable length of a loading member. For example,a recess, or each recess of a plurality of recesses, can extend from afirst end to a second end of a loading member, from a first end to alocation between the first end and the second end of a loading member,from a location between a first end and a second end to the second endof the loading member, from a first location between a first end and asecond end to a second location between the first location and thesecond end of a loading member, and any other length of a loading memberconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. A recess included on aloading member can have any suitable width along its length. Forexample, a recess, or each recess of a plurality of recesses, can have afirst width at a first end (e.g., at a first end of a loading member)and a second width at a second end (e.g., between a first end and asecond end of a loading member) that is greater than, less than, equalto, or about the first width. A recess included on a loading member canhave any suitable structural arrangement, such as curved, cuboidal,prismatic, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable fora particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second cap 1014 is releasablyattached to the second end 1024 of the loading member 1012 and thesecond one-way valve 912 is permanently attached to the second end 1044of the second cap 1014. Alternative embodiment, however, can include acap that incorporates a one-way or two-way valve within the cap suchthat a separate component attached to the cap is not needed. The mainbody 1046 of the second cap 1014 defines a passageway 1102 that extendsthrough the second end 1044 and provides access to the recess 1048. Asshown in FIG. 23, the second cap 1014 defines first and second openings1104, 1106 that are each sized and configured to receive a portion of apost 1094, 1096 defined by the loading member 1012. Each opening 1104,1106 has a first portion 1108 sized and configured to receive theportion of a post 1094, 1096 that has the first outside diameter 1095and a second portion 1110 that is sized and configured to receive theportion of a post 1094, 1096 that has the second outside diameter 1097.In use, the second cap 1014 is positioned on the loading member 1012such that the first post 1094 is disposed within the first opening 1104and the second post 1096 is disposed within the second opening 1106.After the posts 1094, 1096 have been positioned within the openings1104, 1106, the second cap 1014 is rotated relative to the loadingmember 1012 about the lengthwise axis 1021 of the loading member 1012 toachieve releasable attachment between the loading member 1012 and thesecond cap 1014.

The connector 1016 is releasably attached to the storage member 812 andthe loading member 1012. The connector 1016 has a lengthwise axis 1113,a first end 1114, a second end 1116, and a main body 1118 that defines afirst projection 1120 and a second projection 1122. Each of the firstprojection 1120 and the second projection 1122 extends from the mainbody 1118 and toward the lengthwise axis 1113 of the connector 1016. Thefirst projection 1120 is sized and configured to be received by therecess 1079 defined by the storage member 812 and the second projection1122 is sized and configured to be received by the recess 1099 definedby the loading member 1012. The connector 1016 provides releasableattachment between the storage member 812 and the loading member 1012.In an alternative embodiment, a connector can be omitted and a storagemember can be directly attached to a loading member using any suitablemethod or technique that achieves releasable attachment, such as thosedescribed herein. Alternatively, a connector can be permanently attachedto a storage member and a loading member (e.g., using a crimpconnection).

Any of the storage devices and/or loading devices described herein canoptionally include an implantable medical device housed within a secondportion of a storage member. Any suitable implantable medical device canbe included in a storage member and selection of a suitable implantablemedical device can be based on various considerations, including thetreatment intended to be performed. Examples of implantable medicaldevices considered suitable to include in a storage member includeimplantable medical devices that include a frame, such as a supportframe, implantable medical devices that include a frame and a materialattached to the frame, venous valves, heart valves, stents, occludersthat include a frame along with leaflets that are sewn or otherwiseattached to each other to permanently close an associated valve orificeor a graft material that lacks an orifice, and any other implantablemedical device considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Examples of frames considered suitable to include on an implantablemedical device include those that comprise an expandable frame havingradially compressed and radially expanded configurations. Such a framecan be implanted at a point of treatment within a body vessel byminimally invasive techniques, such as delivery and deployment with adelivery system, such as those described herein, that is sized andconfigured for navigation within the body vessel. It is noted, though,that implantable medical devices, such as frames, regardless of the typeand/or nature of the frame, can be implanted within a body vessel at adesired point of treatment using conventional minimally-invasivetechniques, such as by delivery with an associated delivery system, suchas those described herein, by surgical techniques, or by any othersuitable technique for placing a frame or medical device at a point oftreatment within a body vessel.

A frame can be self-expandable or can require an input of force toaffect expansion, such as a balloon expandable frame. A frame canprovide a stenting function, i.e., exert a radially outward force on theinterior wall of a vessel in which the frame, or implantable medicaldevice including the frame, is implanted. By including a frame thatexerts such a force, an implantable medical device can provide multiplefunctions, such as a stenting and a valving function, at a point oftreatment within a body vessel, which may be desirable in certainsituations, such as when a degree of vessel stenosis, occlusion, and/orweakening is present.

A frame of an implantable medical device can include any suitablestructural elements, such as struts and bends, conventional structuralfeatures that facilitate anchoring of the frame at a point of treatmentwithin a body vessel, such as barbs and/or microbarbs, and structuralfeatures, such as radiopaque markers, that facilitate visualization ofthe frame in conventional or other medical visualization techniques,such as radiography, fluoroscopy, and other techniques. Furthermore, aframe can include structural features, such as eyelets, barbs, filletsand other suitable structures, that provide attachment points for graftsand other materials.

A frame can be made from any suitable material and selection of anappropriate material for use in a frame according to a particularembodiment can be based on various considerations, including any desiredflexibility and visualization characteristics. The material selected fora frame need only be biocompatible or be able to be made biocompatible.Examples of suitable materials include, without limitation, stainlesssteel, nickel titanium (NiTi) alloys, e.g., Nitinol, other shape memoryand/or superelastic materials, molybdenum alloys, tantalum alloys,titanium alloys, precious metal alloys, nickel chromium alloys, cobaltchromium alloys, nickel cobalt chromium alloys, nickel cobalt chromiummolybdenum alloys, nickel titanium chromium alloys, linear elasticNitinol wires, polymeric materials, and composite materials. Absorbableand bioremodellable materials can also be used to form a frame. As usedherein, the term “absorbable” refers to the ability of a material todegrade and to be absorbed into a tissue and/or body fluid upon contactwith the tissue and/or body fluid. A number of absorbable materials areknown in the art, and any suitable absorbable material can be used.Examples of suitable types of absorbable materials include absorbablehomopolymers, copolymers, or blends of absorbable polymers. Specificexamples of suitable absorbable materials include poly-alpha hydroxyacids such as polylactic acid, polylactide, polyglycolic acid (PGA), orpolyglycolide; trimethlyene carbonate; polycaprolactone; poly-betahydroxy acids such as polyhydroxybutyrate or polyhydroxyvalerate; orother polymers such as polyphosphazines, polyorganophosphazines,polyanhydrides, polyesteramides, polyorthoesters, polyethylene oxide,polyester-ethers (e.g., polydioxanone) or polyamino acids (e.g.,poly-L-glutamic acid or poly-L-lysine). There are also a number ofnaturally derived absorbable polymers that may be suitable, includingmodified polysaccharides, such as cellulose, chitin, and dextran, andmodified proteins, such as fibrin and casein.

Stainless steel and nitinol are currently considered suitable materialsfor use in a frame of an implantable medical device due at least totheir biocompatibility, shapeability, and well-characterized nature.Also, cold drawn cobalt chromium alloys, such as ASTM F562 and AS™ F1058(commercial examples of which include MP35N™ and Elgiloy™, both of whichare available from Fort Wayne Metals, Fort Wayne, Ind.; MP35N is aregistered trademark of SPS Technologies, Inc. (Jenkintown, Pa., USA);Elgiloy is a registered trademark of Combined Metals of Chicago LLC (ElkGrove Village, Ill., USA)), are currently considered suitable materialsfor frames at least because they are non-magnetic materials that providebeneficial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility and avoid MRIartifacts typically associated with some other materials, such asstainless steel.

A frame can be fabricated in any suitable manner and by any suitabletechnique and selection of an appropriate manner and/or technique forfabricating a frame can be based on various considerations, includingthe nature of the material from which the frame is being fabricated.Examples of suitable techniques include forming a frame from wire, suchas by wrapping a suitable wire around a suitable mandrel, by cutting theframe from a tubular section of an appropriate material, such as bylaser-cutting the support frame from a metal tubular member, and byforming the desired structure of the frame in sheet form, such as byvapor deposition or other suitable technique, configuring the sheet intotubular form, such as by rolling or other suitable technique, and fixingthe frame in tubular form, such as by laser-welding or other suitabletechnique.

If an implantable medical device includes a frame and a materialattached to the frame, the material attached to the frame can form anysuitable structure and selection of a suitable structure for a materialattached to a frame to form can be based on various considerations,including the treatment intended to be performed. Any suitable materialcan be attached to the frame to form an implantable medical device andselection of an appropriate material for use with a frame in animplantable medical device can be based on various considerations,including the intended use and desired function of the implantablemedical device. For valve devices, such as venous valves, heart valves,or any other valve device, one or more leaflets, each having a freeedge, can be attached to a frame and comprise a section of material,such as a sheet, that is attached to the frame along a respectiveattachment pathway. The leaflets can be formed of any suitable material,and need only be biocompatible or be able to be made biocompatible. Thematerial can be formed of a flexible material. Examples of suitablematerials for use as leaflets in implantable medical devices includenatural materials, synthetic materials, and combinations of natural andsynthetic materials. Examples of suitable natural materials includeextracellular matrix (ECM) materials, such as small intestine submucosa(SIS), and other bioremodelable materials, such as bovine pericardium.Other examples of suitable ECM materials that can be used includestomach submucosa, liver basement membrane, urinary bladder submucosa,tissue mucosa, and dura mater. Other examples of suitable naturalmaterials include renal capsule matrix, abdominal fascia, parenchyma,such as abdominal parenchyma, connective tissue, pulmonary or lungligament, tissue laminates, and natural valve leaflets with or withoutadjacent vessel wall. Pleura is also considered a suitable naturalmaterial, including visceral pleura. Fixed tissues are also consideredsuitable, including fixed SIS, fixed pericardium, fixed pulmonary orlung ligament, and any other suitable fixed natural tissue. When fixedtissue is used, any suitable fixation technique and/or procedure can beused, including chemical fixatives, such as aldehydes, e.g.,formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and formalin, and carbodiimides, such asethyl dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide.Physical fixation techniques and/or procedures can also be used,including exposure to heat and/or radiation. Lyophilized preparationsand chemically-dried preparations of these natural materials are alsoconsidered suitable. Examples of suitable synthetic materials includepolymeric materials, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene,polyurethane, polyurethane urea, polycarbonate, and polyesters.

Any materials attached to a frame can have any suitable size, shape andconfiguration. For example, valve devices can include one, two or moreleaflets that are sheet-like sections of material attached to a frame.Another example of a material that can be attached to a frame is atubular structure that is attached around the outer circumference of theframe. Indeed, a tubular structure and one, two or more leaflets can beattached to a frame to form a valve device having an outer sleeve.

Any material and/or elements attached to a frame can be attached to theframe in any suitable manner and with any suitable structure and/orsubstance. For example, leaflets can be attached to a frame in a valvedevice using sutures, tissue welding, adhesive(s), mechanicalattachment(s), a combination of these approaches, and any other suitablestructure and/or substance.

The loading device 810 provides a mechanism for decreasing thecomplexity of sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading animplantable medical device and minimizing the risk associated withhandling an implantable medical device that is intended forimplantation. For example, the loading device 810 provides a mechanismfor sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading an implantable medicaldevice using a closed system that reduces the interaction with theimplantable medical device during sterilization, storing, rinsing,and/or loading.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate an example delivery system 1210. The deliverysystem 1210 includes a sheath 1212, an elongate member 1214, and a tip1216.

The sheath 1212 has a first end 1220, a second end 1222, a length 1223,and a main body 1224 that defines a lumen 1226 that extends through theentire length 1223 and is sized and configured to receive a portion ofthe elongate member 1214, a portion of the tip 1216, and a portion of animplantable medical device. The elongate member 1214 (e.g., cannula) hasa lengthwise axis 1229, a first end 1230, a second end 1232, and a mainbody 1234 that defines an outer surface 1236, an inner surface 1238, alumen 1240, and a notch 1242. The lumen 1240 extends through the entirelength of the elongate member 1214 and is sized and configured toreceive a portion of a wire guide, or another medical device. The notch1242 extends into the main body 1234 of the elongate member 1214 fromthe outer surface 1236 to the inner surface 1238, toward the lengthwiseaxis 1229, and toward the second end 1232 of the elongate member 1214 atan angle 1243. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle 1243 is greaterthan zero degrees relative to the lengthwise axis 1229 of the elongatemember 1214. A notch can be defined at any suitable angle such as anglesequal to, less than, greater than, or about 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45degrees, 60 degrees, or 75 degrees relative to the lengthwise axis of anelongate member. The notch 1242 is sized and configured to receive aportion of a loading puller, as described in more detail herein. In theillustrated embodiment, the angle 1243 is equal to about 45 degreesrelative to the lengthwise axis 1229 of the elongate member 1214. Whilethe elongate member 1214 has been illustrated as defining an innersurface 1238 and a lumen 1240, an alternative embodiment can include anelongate member that comprises a solid piece of material that does notinclude an inner surface that defines a lumen. In this alternativeembodiment, a notch can be defined in the main body the elongate memberas described above with respect to elongate member 1214.

The tip 1216 is disposed on the second end 1232 of the elongate member1214 and has a first end 1246, a second end 1248, and a main body 1250that defines a lumen 1251, a first portion 1252, a second portion 1254,and a third portion 1256. The tip 1216 is sized and configured to bepartially disposed within the sheath 1212 and to receive an implantablemedical device thereon such that the implantable medical device can bedelivered to a point of treatment. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst portion 1252 is sized and configured to be disposed within thesheath 1212. The notch 1242 is positioned from the first end 1246 of thetip 1216 a distance 1257 that is greater than the length of a loadingpuller such that the loading puller can be disposed within the notch andreleasably attached to an implantable medical device that is disposedbetween the notch 1242 and the tip 1216 or disposed on the tip 1216.While the tip 1216 has been illustrated as defining a lumen 1251, analternative embodiment can include a tip that comprises a solid piece ofmaterial that omits a lumen.

FIG. 29 illustrates another example delivery system 1310. The deliverysystem 1310 is similar to the delivery system 1210 illustrated in FIGS.27 and 28 and described above, except as detailed below. The deliverysystem 1310 includes a sheath 1312, an elongate member 1314, a tip 1316,and a gripping member 1360.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate member 1314 has a lengthwiseaxis 1329, a first end 1330, a second end 1332, and a main body 1334that defines an outer surface 1336. The gripping member 1360 is attachedto the elongate member 1314 between the first end 1330 of the elongatemember 1314 and the first end 1346 of the tip 1316. The gripping member1360 has a first end 1362, a second end 1364, a length 1365, and a mainbody 1366. In use, the gripping member 1360 is sized and configured tobe disposed within the lumen 1326 defined by the sheath 1312 and withina lumen defined by an implantable medical device disposed within astorage member. The gripping member 1360 provides a friction forcebetween the frame of an implantable medical device and the sheath 1312and assists with a controlled release of the implantable medical deviceduring delivery such that jumping of the implantable medical device isprevented when being released from the sheath 1312. In embodiments inwhich a balloon is included on a delivery system, the balloon can bepositioned between a tip and a gripping member, or be considered the tipand positioned distal to a gripping member. In these embodiments, theelongate member can define an inflation lumen that is in fluidcommunication with a balloon chamber and extends to an inflation portdefined distal to a sheath.

A gripping member can be formed of any suitable material and have anysuitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable material andstructural arrangement for a gripping member can be based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of a delivery system of whichthe gripping member is included. Examples of materials consideredsuitable for a gripping member include any material that has acoefficient of friction greater than the coefficient of friction of amaterial that forms an elongate member to which the gripping member isattached, polymers, silicone, polyurethane, rubbers, and any othermaterial considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

FIG. 30 illustrates another example delivery system 1410. The deliverysystem 1410 is similar to the delivery system 1210 illustrated in FIGS.27 and 28 and described above, except as detailed below. The deliverysystem 1410 includes a sheath 1412, an elongate member 1414, a tip 1416,and a gripping member 1460.

In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery system includes a grippingmember 1460 that is attached to the elongate member 1414 between thenotch 1442 and the first end 1446 of the tip 1416. The gripping member1460 has a first end 1462, a second end 1464, a length 1465, and a mainbody 1466. In use, the gripping member 1460 is sized and configured tobe disposed within the lumen 1426 defined by the sheath 1412 and withina lumen defined by an implantable medical device disposed within astorage member. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping member 1460is positioned from the notch 1442 a distance that is greater than thelength of a pulling member intended to be used with the delivery system1410. Optionally, a delivery system can include an inner pusher catheterdisposed within a sheath and over an elongate member that can be used toassist with delivery of an implantable medical device. In addition, adelivery system can include one or more kerfs disposed between a notchand a proximal end of an elongate member.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate an alternative tip 1516 that can be disposedthe second end of an elongate member of an example delivery system. Thetip 1516 is similar to the tip 1216 illustrated in FIG. 27 and describedabove, except as detailed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 1550 of the tip 1516defines shoulder 1570 and a planar surface 1572. The shoulder 1570 isdisposed between the first end 1546 of the tip 1516 and the second end1548 of the tip 1516. The planar surface 1572 extends from the shoulder1570 toward the second end 1548 to a location between the shoulder 1570and the second end 1548. The inclusion of a shoulder 1570 and a planarsurface 1572 provides a mechanism for orienting the tip 1516 and anattached elongate member relative to another component (e.g., loadingmember, storage member, device guard, planar surface of device guard),such as those described herein.

FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate an alternative tip 1516′ that can bedisposed the second end of an elongate member of an example deliverysystem. The tip 1516′ is similar to the tip 1216 illustrated in FIG. 27and described above, except as detailed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 1550′ of the tip 1516′defines a first recess 1570′ and a second recess 1572′. Each of thefirst recess 1570′ and the second recess 1572′ extends from the firstend 1546′ toward the second end 1548′ and is sized and configured toreceive a portion of a device guard or cap such that the tip 1516′ andan attached elongate member can be oriented relative to anothercomponent (e.g., loading member, storage member, device guard, planarsurface of device guard), such as those described herein. In theillustrated embodiment, the first recess 1570′ is disposed on a planethat extends through the lengthwise axis of the tip 1516′. However,alternative embodiments can include a first recess that is disposed on afirst plane that extends through a lengthwise axis of a tip and a secondrecess that is disposed on a second plane that extends through thelengthwise axis of the tip at any suitable angle relative to the firstplane (e.g., 45 degrees).

While a first recess 1570′ and a second recess 1572′ have beenillustrated, a main body of a tip can define any suitable number ofrecesses to assist with orienting the tip relative to a portion of astorage device and/or loading device and selection of a suitable numberof recesses for a main body of a tip to define can be based on variousconsiderations, such as the type of material forming a tip. Examples ofsuitable numbers of recesses for a main body of a tip to define includeone, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any othernumber considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

FIGS. 32C and 32D illustrate an alternative first cap 114′ that can bereleasably attached to a storage member of an example storage device orloading member of an example loading device. The first cap 114′ issimilar to the first cap 114 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 and describedabove, except as detailed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap 114′ comprises a deviceguard 146′ that can be releasably attached to a first end of a storagemember or a loading member. The device guard 146′ has a lengthwise axis147′, a first end 148′, a second end 150′, and a main body 152′ thatdefines a base 154′, a first projection 156′, a recess 160′, a firstprojection 161′, and a second projection 163′. The base 154′ extendsfrom the first end 148′ toward the second end 150′ and is sized andconfigured to be releasably attached within a passageway of a storagemember. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 154′ has an outsidediameter 155′, a first side 162′, a second side 164′, and is sized andconfigured to be releasably attached to a storage member within apassageway using a snap fit attachment between the device guard 146′ andthe storage member.

The first projection 156′ extends from the second side 164′ to thesecond end 150′. The first projection 156′ has an outside diameter 157′that tapers from between the base 154′ and the second end 150′. Therecess 160′ extends from the first end 148′ toward the second end 150′to a recess base 166′ and is sized and configured to receive a portionof a delivery system (e.g., tip 1516′), as described in more detailherein. The recess 160′ has a first portion 168′ and a second portion170′. The first portion 168′ has an inside diameter 167′ that isconstant from the first end 148′ to the second portion 170′. The secondportion 170′ has an inside diameter 169′ that tapers from the firstportion 168′ to the recess base 166′. The first portion 168′ has acylindrical configuration and the second portion 170′ has a conicalconfiguration. Each of the first projection 161′ and the secondprojection 163′ extends into the recess 160′ and is sized and configuredto mate and be disposed within a recess defined by a tip (e.g., recess1570′, recess 1572′) such that the delivery system is rotationally fixedrelative to the device guard 146′ when the projections 161′, 163′ aredisposed within the recesses defined by the tip of the delivery system.

While a first projection 161′ and a second projection 163′ have beenillustrated, a main body of a device guard can define any suitablenumber of projections to assist with orienting a tip relative to aportion of a storage device and/or loading device and selection of asuitable number of projections for a main body of a device guard todefine can be based on various considerations, such as the type ofmaterial forming a tip. Examples of suitable numbers of projections fora main body of a device guard to define include one, two, a plurality,three, four, five, more than five, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

FIGS. 33, 34, 35, and 36 illustrate an example guide system 1610. Theguide system 1610 includes a guide board 1612, a loading member 1614,and a guide member 1616. The loading member 1614 is similar to theloading member 712 illustrated in FIG. 17 and described above, except asdetailed below. The guide system 1610 can be used with any suitablestorage device described herein, such as storage device 10, storagedevice 110, storage device 210, storage device 310, and/or storagedevice 510.

The guide board 1612 has a first end 1620, a second end 1622, a firstside 1624, a second side 1626, a top surface 1628, a bottom surface1630, and a main body 1632 that defines a notch 1634 and a plurality ofapertures 1636. The notch 1634 extends from the first end 1620 to thesecond end 1622 and is sized and configured to receive the loadingmember 1614, the guide member 1616, and a storage member or a storagemember that includes an attached device guard, as described herein. Afirst set of apertures 1638 of the plurality of apertures 1636 isdisposed near the first end 1620 and a second set of apertures 1640 ofthe plurality of apertures 1636 is disposed between the first set ofapertures 1638 and the second end 1622.

In the illustrated embodiment, the loading member 1614 is disposedwithin the notch 1634 and is releasably attachable to the guide board1612 using mounting pins (not shown). A first portion of the loadingmember 1614 has been illustrated for clarity in each of FIGS. 33 and 35.However, the loading member 1614 includes a second portion that isidentical to the first portion and is releasably attached to the firstportion using mounting pins and such that it is rotated 90 degreesrelative to the lengthwise axis 1644 of the loading member, as describedin more detail herein. The loading member 1614 has a lengthwise axis1644, a first end 1646, a second end 1648, and a main body 1650 thatdefines a first opening 1652, a second opening 1654, a passageway 1656,a first track 1658 (cooperatively defined with the second portion), asecond track 1660, a third track 1662 (cooperatively defined with thesecond portion), a fourth track (not shown but defined on the secondportion of the loading member), a plurality of mounting passageways1663, and guide pins 1665. The passageway 1656 extends from the firstopening 1652 to the second opening 1654 and has a first portion 1666, asecond portion 1668, a third portion 1670, and a fourth portion 1672.The passageway 1656 is sized and configured to receive an implantablemedical device, a loading puller, and a portion of a delivery system,such as those described herein. The first portion 1666 extends from thefirst end 1646 to the second portion 1668 and has an inside diameter1667 that tapers from the first end 1646 to the second portion 1668. Thesecond portion 1668 extends from the first portion 1666 to the thirdportion 1670 and has an inside diameter 1669 that is less than theinside diameter 1667 of the first portion 1666 at the first end 1646.The second portion 1668 is sized and configured to receive a portion ofan implantable medical device, a loading puller, and a portion of adelivery system (e.g., gripping member). The third portion 1670 extendsfrom the second portion 1668 to the fourth portion 1672 and has a width1671 that is greater than the inside diameter 1669 of the second portion1668. The third portion 1670 is sized and configured to receive aportion of a loading puller in the expanded, or partially expanded,configuration, as described in more detail herein. The fourth portion1672 extends from the third portion 1670 to the second end 1648 and hasan inside diameter 1673 that is less than the width 1671 of the thirdportion and greater than the inside diameter 1669 of the second portion1668. The fourth portion 1672 is sized and configured to receive aportion of a sheath of a delivery system, as described in more detailherein. The decrease in diameter between the fourth portion 1672 and thethird portion 1670 creates a shoulder 1674 that acts as a mechanicalstop to advancement of a sheath of delivery system through thepassageway 1656. In use, when a loading puller is pulled through thepassageway 1656 the loading puller is compressed as its moves throughthe first portion 1666 of the passageway 1656 and then expands when itreaches the third portion 1670 of the passageway 1656. Each of thetracks 1658, 1660, 1662, fourth track (not shown) extends from the firstend 1646 to the second end 1648. Each of the first track 1658 and thirdtrack 1662 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a loadingpuller and provides a mechanism to guide the loading puller through theloading member 1614 during use. Each of the second track 1660 and fourthtrack (not shown) is sized and configured to receive a portion of animplantable medical device. For example, in embodiments in which theimplantable medical device includes a frame that has a portion thatextends outwardly from the lengthwise axis of the frame (e.g., one ormore markers, one or more barbs), one of, or each of, the second trackand fourth track provides a mechanism to guide the implantable medicaldevice through the loading member 1614 during use. Each aperture of theplurality of mounting passageways 1663 is sized and configured to alignwith the second set of apertures 1640 of the guide board 1612 such thatone or more alignment pins (not shown) can be positioned within theapertures to maintain the position of the loading member 1614 relativeto the guide board 1612. Each of the guide pins 1665 is sized andconfigured to be received by a passageway (e.g., passageway 280,passageway 282) defined by a storage member to achieve alignment betweenthe storage member and the loading member 1614.

The guide member 1616 is disposed within the notch 1634 and isreleasably attachable to the guide board 1612 using mounting pins (notshown). The guide member 1616 has a lengthwise axis 1675, a first end1676, a second end 1678, and a main body 1680 that defines a firstopening 1682, a second opening 1684, a passageway 1686, and a pluralityof mounting passageways 1688. The passageway 1686 extends from the firstopening 1682 to the second opening 1684 and is sized and configured toreceive a portion of a delivery system (e.g., sheath), such as thosedescribed herein. The guide member 1616 provides a mechanism to maintainthe position of a delivery system while loading an implantable medicaldevice, as described in more detail herein. Each aperture of theplurality of mounting passageways 1688 is sized and configured to alignwith the first set of apertures 1638 of the guide board 1612 such thatone or more mounting pins (not shown) can be positioned within theapertures to maintain the position of the guide member 1616 relative tothe guide board 1612. While the guide board 1612, loading member 1614,and guide member 1616 have been illustrated as separate elements, aguide board can be an integrated component with a loading member and/ora guide member. For example, a guide member can be permanently attachedto a guide board.

FIG. 37 illustrates an example kit 1710 that includes a storage device1712 according to an embodiment; a device guard 1714 according to anembodiment; a delivery system 1716 according to an embodiment; a guidesystem 1718 according to an embodiment; instructions for use 1720; and astorage container 1722.

Any suitable storage device, device guard, delivery system, loadingmember, and guide system can be included in a kit and selection of asuitable storage device, device guard, delivery system, loading member,and guide system to include in a kit can be based on variousconsiderations, including the type of implantable medical deviceintended to be implanted using the kit. Examples of storage devicesconsidered suitable to include in a kit include storage device 10,storage device 110, storage device 210, storage device 310, storagedevice 510, variations of the storage devices described herein, and anyother storage device according to an embodiment. Examples of deviceguards considered suitable to include in a kit include device guard 146,device guard 715, device guard 1714, variations of the device guardsdescribed herein, and any other device guard according to an embodiment.Examples of delivery systems considered suitable to include in a kitinclude delivery system 1210, delivery system 1310, delivery system1410, variations of the delivery systems described herein, and any otherdelivery system according to an embodiment. Examples of loading membersconsidered suitable to include in a kit include loading member 712,loading member 1012, loading member 1614, variations of the loadingmembers described herein, and any other loading member according to anembodiment. Examples of guide systems considered suitable to include ina kit include guide system 1610, variations of the guide systemsdescribed herein, and any other guide system according to an embodiment.In the illustrated embodiment, the kit 1710 includes storage device 510,as shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 16A, delivery system 1410, as shown inFIG. 30, and guide system 1610, as shown in FIGS. 33, 34, 35, and 36.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device guard 1714 is similar to thedevice guard 715 illustrated in FIG. 17 and described above, except asdetailed below. The device guard 1716 is releasably attachable to thefirst end 520 of the storage member 512 and the main body 1760 of thedevice guard 1714 defines a base 1762, a sidewall 1764, a projection1766, a first opening 1768, a second opening 1770, and a passageway1772. The base 1762 and the sidewall 1764 cooperatively define a cavity1770 that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the storagemember 512. The projection 1766 extends from the base 1762, through thecavity 1770, and to an environment exterior to the cavity 1770. Thepassageway 1772 extends from the first opening 1768 to the secondopening 1770 and is sized and configured to receive a portion of adelivery system, as described in more detail herein.

While the kit 1710 has been illustrated as including a single a storagedevice 510, a single device guard 1714, a single delivery system 1310,and a single guide system 1610, any suitable number, and type, ofstorage devices, device guards, delivery systems, loading members,and/or guide systems can be included in a kit, such as those describedherein. Selection of a suitable number of storage devices, deviceguards, delivery systems, loading members, and/or guide systems toinclude in a kit according to a particular embodiment can be based onvarious considerations, such as the type of implantable medical deviceintended to be implanted using the kit. Examples of suitable numbers ofstorage devices, device guards, delivery systems, loading members,and/or guide systems to include in a kit include at least one, one, two,a plurality, three, four and any other number considered suitable for aparticular embodiment.

While the kit 1710 has been illustrated as including only a storagedevice 1712, a device guard 1714, a delivery system 1716, a guide system1718, instructions for use 1720, and a storage container 1720, a kit caninclude any suitable number of optional components. Examples of numbersof optional components considered suitable to include in a kit, such asan implantable medical device, include one, at least one, two, aplurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any other numberconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of optionalcomponents and/or devices considered suitable to include in a kitinclude containers, or bags (e.g., I.V. bag), filled with saline,lubricant, a rinsing solution, or a flushing solution, tubing, bowls,guide wires, catheters, syringes, and/or any other component and/ordevice considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

A storage container included in a kit can have any suitable structuralarrangement and be formed of any suitable material and selection of asuitable structural arrangement and material to form a storage containercan be based on various considerations, including the number of storagedevices, device guards, delivery systems, loading members, and/or guidesystems included in a kit. Examples of structural arrangementsconsidered suitable to form a storage container include boxes, boxesthat include a lid, boxes that include a lid attached to the box (e.g.,pivotably attached), bags, and any other structural arrangementconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of materialsconsidered suitable to form a storage container include metals,plastics, glass, combinations of the materials described herein, and anyother material considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In theillustrated embodiment, the storage container 1722 is a box 1723 formedof a rigid plastic.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example kit 1810 that includes a loading device1812 according to an embodiment; a device guard 1814 according to anembodiment; a delivery system 1816 according to an embodiment;instructions for use 1818; and a storage container 1820.

Any suitable loading device, device guard, and delivery system can beincluded in a kit and selection of a suitable storage device, deviceguard, and delivery system to include in a kit can be based on variousconsiderations, including the type of implantable medical deviceintended to be implanted using the kit. Examples of loading devicesconsidered suitable to include in a kit include loading device 710,loading device 810, variations of the loading devices described herein,and any other loading device according to an embodiment. Examples ofdevice guards considered suitable to include in a kit include deviceguard 146, device guard 715, device guard 1714, variations of the deviceguards described herein, and any other device guard according to anembodiment. Examples of delivery systems considered suitable to includein a kit include delivery system 1210, delivery system 1310, deliverysystem 1410, variations of the delivery systems described herein, andany other delivery system according to an embodiment. In the illustratedembodiment, the kit 1810 includes loading device 810, as shown in FIGS.18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, and delivery system 1410, asshown in FIG. 30.

While the kit 1810 has been illustrated as including a single a loadingdevice 1812, a single device guard 1814, and a single delivery system1816, any suitable number, and type, of loading devices, device guards,and/or delivery systems can be included in a kit, such as thosedescribed herein. Selection of a suitable number of loading devices,device guards, and/or delivery systems to include in a kit according toa particular embodiment can be based on various considerations, such asthe type of implantable medical device intended to be implanted usingthe kit. Examples of suitable numbers of loading devices, device guards,and/or delivery systems to include in a kit include at least one, one,two, a plurality, three, four and any other number considered suitablefor a particular embodiment.

While the kit 1810 has been illustrated as including only a loadingdevice 1812, a device guard 1814, a delivery system 1816, instructionsfor use 1818, and a storage container 1820, a kit can include anysuitable number of optional components. Examples of numbers of optionalcomponents considered suitable to include in a kit, such as animplantable medical device, include one, at least one, two, a plurality,three, four, five, more than five, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of optional componentsand/or devices considered suitable to include in a kit includecontainers, or bags (e.g., I.V. bag), filled with saline, lubricant, arinsing solution, or a flushing solution, tubing, bowls, guide wires,catheters, syringes, and/or any other component and/or device consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment.

A storage member, a cap, a device guard, a one-way valve, a diffuser, aloading member, a loading puller, a connector, a catheter, an elongatemember, a tip, a guide board, and a guide member of the embodimentsdescribed herein can be formed of any suitable material and using anysuitable method of manufacture. Selection of a suitable material andmethod of manufacture can be based on various considerations, includingthe intended use of the device, component, element, or feature. Examplesof materials considered suitable to form a storage member, a cap, adevice guard, a one-way valve, a diffuser, a loading member, a loadingpuller, a connector, a catheter, an elongate member, a tip, a guideboard, and a guide member of the embodiments described herein includebiocompatible materials, materials that can be made biocompatible,metals, plastics, polymers, transparent materials, opaque materials, andany other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Optionally, any of the storage member, a cap, a device guard, a one-wayvalve, a diffuser, a loading member, a loading puller, a connector, acatheter, an elongate member, a tip, a guide board, and a guide memberof the embodiments described herein can include a gasket (e.g., o-ring)disposed between it and another element to which it is attached.

Any attachment between a storage member, a cap, a device guard, aone-way valve, a diffuser, a loading member, a connector, a catheter, anelongate member, a tip, a guide board, and a guide member and anotherelement described herein cap can utilize any suitable technique ormethod of attachment between the elements. Selection of a suitabletechnique or method of attachment between two elements can be based onvarious considerations, including the material(s) that forms theelements. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment consideredsuitable between two elements described herein include thoseillustrated, using threaded connections, snap fit attachments, using oneor more connectors, one or more mating slots and projections, pierceablemembranes between the elements, releasable attachments, permanentattachments, and any other technique or method of attachment consideredsuitable for a particular application.

Various methods of treatment are described herein. While the methodsdescribed herein are shown and described as a series of acts, it is tobe understood and appreciated that the methods are not limited by theorder of acts, as some acts may in accordance with these methods, occurin the order shown and/or described, in different orders, and/orconcurrently with other acts described herein.

FIG. 39 is a schematic illustration of an example method 1900 ofsterilizing an implantable medical device.

A step 1902 comprises inserting an implantable medical device into astorage member. Another step 1904 comprises attaching a first cap to thestorage member. Another step 1906 comprises introducing a sterilizingmaterial into the storage member. Another step 1908 comprisesintroducing a holding material into the storage member such that thesterilizing material is removed from the storage member. Another step1910 comprises attaching a second cap to the storage member.

Step 1902 can be accomplished using any suitable implantable medicaldevice, such as those described herein. In the illustrated embodiment,the example method of sterilizing an implantable medical device 1900comprises a method of sterilizing a valve device. Step 1902 can beaccomplished by applying an axial force on the implantable medicaldevice along the lengthwise axis of a storage member and toward thesecond end of the storage member until the implantable medical device isdisposed within the second portion of the passageway defined by thestorage member. Any suitable storage member can be used to completemethod 1900, such as the storage members described herein. An optionalstep that can be completed prior to, or subsequent to, step 1902comprises releasably attaching a loading puller to the implantablemedical device.

Step 1904 can be accomplished using any suitable cap, such as the capsdescribed herein. Alternatively, step 1904 can comprise attaching aloading member to a storage member and can be accomplished using anysuitable loading member, such as the loading members described herein.

Step 1906 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a sterilizing material into storage member (e.g., using asyringe) and by passing the sterilizing material through the firstopening of the storage member such that it accumulates within thepassageway defined by the storage member (e.g., within only the secondportion of the passageway, within both the first portion and the secondportion of the passageway), or passes through the passageway. Anysuitable sterilizing material can be introduced into a storage memberand selection of a suitable sterilizing material can be based on variousconsiderations, including the type of implantable medical devicedisposed within the storage member. Examples of sterilizing materialsinclude glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, alcohol, and any other sterilizingmaterial considered suitable for a particular embodiment. An optionalstep comprises removing the sterilizing material from the storagemember. Optionally, step 1906 can be accomplished prior to step 1904.

Step 1908 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a holding material into storage member (e.g., using asyringe) and by passing the holding material through the first openingof the storage member such that it accumulates within the passagewaydefined by the storage member (e.g., within only the second portion ofthe passageway, within both the first portion and the second portion ofthe passageway), or passes through the passageway, and replaces anysterilizing material in the storage member. Any suitable holdingmaterial can be introduced into a storage member and selection of asuitable holding material can be based on various considerations,including the type of implantable medical device disposed within thestorage member. Examples of holding materials include glutaraldehyde,saline, formaldehyde, phosphate buffers, phosphate buffered saline(PBS), agents, biological agents, coatings, absorbable coatings, drugs,quenching solutions, quenching solutions that may include an amino acid,anti-calcification materials, rinsing fluids, flushing fluids, and anyother holding material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Optionally, step 1908 can be completed multiple times (e.g., two times,three times). Optionally, step 1908 can be accomplished prior to step1904 and after step 1906.

Step 1910 can be accomplished using any suitable cap, such as the capsdescribed herein. In an alternative embodiment, step 1904 can compriseattaching a cap to the storage member and step 1910 can compriseattaching a loading member to a storage member. FIG. 40 illustrates animplantable medical device 1912 stored within an example storage member1914.

While various steps, alternative steps, and optional steps have beendescribed above with respect to the example method 1900, these steps,alternative steps, and optional steps can be included in, accomplishedconcurrently with, and/or accomplished in the alternative to, themethod, steps, alternative steps, and/or optional steps described hereinwith respect to the example method 2000, example method 2100, examplemethod 2200, example method 2300, and/or example method 2400.

FIG. 41 is a schematic illustration of another example method 2000 ofsterilizing an implantable medical device.

A step 2002 comprises inserting an implantable medical device into astorage member. Another step 2004 comprises attaching a first cap to thestorage member. Another step 2006 comprises attaching a second cap tothe storage member. Another step 2008 comprises introducing asterilizing material into the storage member. Another step 2010comprises introducing a holding material into the storage member suchthat the sterilizing material is removed from the storage member.

Step 2002 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step1902.

Step 2004 can be accomplished using any suitable cap, such as the capsdescribed herein. Alternatively, step 2004 can comprise attaching aloading member to a storage member and can be accomplished using anysuitable loading member, such as the loading members described herein.

Step 2006 can be accomplished using any suitable cap, such as the capsdescribed herein.

Step 2008 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a sterilizing material into storage member such that thesterilizing material is passed through the first opening of the storagemember and accumulates within the passageway defined by the storagemember (e.g., within only the second portion of the passageway, withinboth the first portion and the second portion of the passageway), orpasses through the passageway. For example, a syringe or a lineconnected to a bag containing a sterilizing material can be attached toa first one-way valve and be utilized to introduce the sterilizing fluidinto the storage member such that the sterilizing material is containedwithin the storage member and does not pass through the second one-wayvalve. Alternatively, a syringe or a line connected to a bag can be usedto pass the sterilizing fluid through the second one-way valve and intothe storage member, or through the first one-way valve, the storagemember, and the second one-way valve, or through the second one-wayvalve, the storage member, and the first one-way valve. Any suitablesterilizing material can be introduced into a storage member, such asthose described herein. An optional step comprises removing the syringeor line from the one-way valve.

Step 2010 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a holding material into storage member such that the holdingmaterial is passed through the first opening of the storage member andaccumulates within the passageway defined by the storage member (e.g.,within only the second portion of the passageway, within both the firstportion and the second portion of the passageway), or passes through thepassageway. For example, a syringe or a line connected to a bagcontaining a holding material can be attached to a first one-way valveand be utilized to introduce the holding fluid into the storage membersuch that the holding material is contained within the storage memberand does not pass through the second one-way valve. Alternatively, asyringe or a line connected to a bag can be used to pass the holdingfluid through the second one-way valve and into the storage member, orthrough the first one-way valve, the storage member, and the secondone-way valve, or through the second one-way valve, the storage member,and the first one-way valve. An optional step comprises removing thesyringe or line from the one-way valve. Any suitable holding materialcan be introduced into a storage member, such as those described herein.Optionally, step 2010 can be completed multiple times (e.g., two times,three times). Each time step 2010 is completed, it can be completed fora particular period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes) and/or until aspecified volume of holding fluid has been passed through storagemember. FIG. 42 illustrates an implantable medical device 2012 storedwithin an example storage member 2014 and a loading puller 2016 thatdefines only first and second bends and a curve between the first andsecond bends.

While various steps, alternative steps, and optional steps have beendescribed above with respect to the example method 2000, these steps,alternative steps, and optional steps can be included in, accomplishedconcurrently with, and/or accomplished in the alternative to, themethod, steps, alternative steps, and/or optional steps described hereinwith respect to the example method 1900, example method 2100, examplemethod 2200, example method 2300, and/or example method 2400.

FIG. 43 is a schematic illustration of an example method 2100 of storingan implantable medical device.

A step 2102 comprises inserting a sterilized implantable medical deviceinto a storage member. Another step 2104 comprises attaching a first capto the storage member. Another step 2106 comprises introducing a holdingmaterial into the storage member. Another step 2108 comprises attachinga second cap to the storage member.

Step 2102 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step1902. Optional steps that can be completed prior to step 2102 include:sterilizing the implantable medical device; rinsing the implantablemedical device; and/or attaching a loading puller to the implantablemedical device. These optional steps can be accomplished usingconventional sterilization and/or rinsing methods or those describedherein.

Step 2104 can be accomplished using any suitable cap, such as the capsdescribed herein. Alternatively, step 2104 can comprise attaching aloading member to a storage member and can be accomplished using anysuitable loading member, such as the loading members described herein.

Step 2106 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a holding material into storage member (e.g., using asyringe) and by passing the holding material through the first openingof the storage member such that it accumulates within the passagewaydefined by the storage member (e.g., within only the second portion ofthe passageway, within both the first portion and the second portion ofthe passageway), or passes through the passageway. Any suitable holdingmaterial can be introduced into a storage member, such as thosedescribed herein. Optionally, step 2106 can be completed multiple times(e.g., two times, three times). Optionally, step 2106 can beaccomplished prior to step 2104 or subsequent to step 2108. Inembodiments in which step 2106 is accomplished subsequent to step 2108,step 2106 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a holding material into storage member such that the holdingmaterial is passed through the first opening of the storage member andaccumulates within the passageway defined by the storage member (e.g.,within only the second portion of the passageway, within both the firstportion and the second portion of the passageway), or passes through thepassageway. For example, a syringe containing a holding material can beattached to a first one-way valve and be utilized to introduce theholding fluid into the storage member such that the holding material iscontained within the storage member and does not pass through the secondone-way valve. Alternatively, a syringe can be used to pass the holdingfluid through the second one-way valve and into the storage member, orthrough the first one-way valve, the storage member, and the secondone-way valve, or through the second one-way valve, the storage member,and the first one-way valve. In this embodiment, step 2106 can becompleted multiple times (e.g., two times, three times). Each time step2106 is completed, it can be completed for a particular period of time(e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes) and/or until a specified volume of holdingfluid has been passed through storage member. An optional step comprisesremoving the syringe or line from the one-way valve.

Step 2108 can be accomplished using any suitable cap, such as the capsdescribed herein.

While various steps, alternative steps, and optional steps have beendescribed above with respect to the example method 2100, these steps,alternative steps, and optional steps can be included in, accomplishedconcurrently with, and/or accomplished in the alternative to, themethod, steps, alternative steps, and/or optional steps described hereinwith respect to the example method 1900, example method 2000, examplemethod 2200, example method 2300, and/or example method 2400.

FIG. 44 is a schematic illustration of an example method 2200 of rinsingan implantable medical device.

A step 2202 comprises attaching a device that includes a rinsingmaterial to a one-way valve of a storage device. Another step 2204comprises introducing the rinsing material into the storage device suchthat it passes through the storage device. Another step 2206 comprisesstopping the step of introducing the rinsing material into the storagedevice.

Step 2202 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofattachment and using any suitable device that includes a rinsingmaterial, such as syringe, a line attached to a bag that includes arinsing material, and any other device considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Any suitable rinsing material can be included ina device and selection of a suitable rinsing material can be based onvarious considerations, including the type of implantable medical devicedisposed within a storage member. Examples of rinsing materials includesaline, agents, biological agents, coatings, absorbable coatings, drugs,phosphate buffers, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and any otherrinsing material considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In theembodiment described, a device is attached to a first one-way valve of astorage device. However, alternative embodiments can include a devicethat is attached to a second one-way valve of a storage device.

While step 2202 has been described as being completed by attaching adevice to a storage device, an alternative embodiment can includeattaching a device to a loading device. Step 2202 can be accomplished byattaching the device to a first one-way valve of a storage device and/orloading device or a second one-way valve of a storage device and/orloading device.

Step 2204 can be accomplished using any suitable method or technique ofintroducing a rinsing material into storage device such that the rinsingmaterial is passed through the first opening of the storage member andaccumulates within the passageway defined by the storage member (e.g.,within only the second portion of the passageway, within both the firstportion and the second portion of the passageway), or passes through thepassageway. Alternatively, a syringe can be used to pass the rinsingfluid through the second one-way valve and into the storage member, orthrough the first one-way valve, the storage member, and the secondone-way valve, or through the second one-way valve, the storage member,and the first one-way valve. Alternatively, a syringe containing arinsing material can be attached to a first one-way valve and beutilized to introduce the rinsing fluid into the storage member suchthat the rinsing material is contained within the storage member anddoes not pass through the second one-way valve. Step 2204 can becompleted multiple times (e.g., two times, three times). Each time step2204 is completed, it can be completed for a particular period of time(e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes) and/or until a specified volume of rinsingfluid has been passed through storage member.

Optionally, steps 2202, 2204, 2206 can be repeating one or more timesusing a second rinsing fluid that is different than the rinsing fluidinitially passed through the storage member. An optional step comprisesagitating the storage member during step 2204 or subsequent to thecompletion of step 2204.

While method 2200 has been described as being accomplished using aone-way valve, other embodiments can include a storage device and/orloading device that omits the inclusion of one or more one-way valves.In these embodiments, method 2200 can include the steps of: removing afirst cap, a second cap, a first one-way valve, and/or a second one-wayvalve;

immersing the storage member in a rinsing material; optionally agitatingthe storage member; and removing the storage member from the rinsingmaterial.

While various steps, alternative steps, and optional steps have beendescribed above with respect to the example method 2200, these steps,alternative steps, and optional steps can be included in, accomplishedconcurrently with, and/or accomplished in the alternative to, themethod, steps, alternative steps, and/or optional steps described hereinwith respect to the example method 1900, example method 2000, examplemethod 2100, example method 2300, and/or example method 2400.

FIG. 45 is a schematic illustration of an example method 2300 of loadingan implantable medical device onto a delivery system.

A step 2302 comprises removing a first cap from a storage membercontaining an implantable medical device. Another step 2304 comprisesremoving a diffuser from the storage member. Another step 2306 comprisesattaching a device guard to the storage member. Another step 2308comprises removing a second cap from the storage member. Another step2310 comprises attaching the storage member to a loading member of aguide system. Another step 2312 comprises applying an axial force on aportion of a delivery system such that it is passed through the storagemember and partially disposed within the device guard. Another step 2314comprises positioning a loading puller within a notch defined by acannula of the delivery system. Another step 2316 comprises applying anaxial force on the cannula of the delivery system away from the storagemember until the loading puller moves to its uncompressed configurationand is free of the implantable medical device. Another step 2318comprises removing the loading puller from the delivery system andloading member. Another step 2320 comprises applying an axial force on asheath of the delivery system toward the loading member whilemaintaining the position of the cannula until the sheath contacts theloading member. Another step 2322 comprises applying an axial force onthe cannula while maintaining the position of the sheath such that thecannula is withdrawn from the loading member and the medical device isadvanced into the sheath. Another step 2324 comprises removing thedelivery system from the loading member.

Step 2304 can be accomplished in any suitable manner, such as byapplying a force on a diffuser away from a storage member in embodimentsin which the diffuser is releasably disposed within a storage member.Alternatively, in embodiments in which a diffuser is permanentlyattached, or releasably attached, to a cap, step 2304 can beaccomplished concurrently with step 2302.

Step 2306 can be accomplished using any suitable device guard, such asthe device guards described herein. In an alternative embodiment, step2306 can be omitted from a method of loading an implantable medicaldevice onto a delivery system. Step 2312 can be accomplished using anysuitable delivery system, such as the delivery systems described herein.FIG. 46 illustrates a storage member 2330 attached to a loading member2332 of a guide system 2334. FIG. 47 illustrates a delivery system 2336partially disposed within the device guard 2338 and the loading puller2340 disposed within the notch 2342 defined by the cannula 2344. FIG. 48illustrates the loading puller 2340 in the uncompressed configuration.FIG. 49 illustrates the sheath 2346 advanced toward the loading membersuch that it contacts the loading member. An optional step comprisesimplanting the implantable medical device with a body of a patient.Another optional step comprises orienting the tip of the delivery systemrelative to the implantable medical device using the device guard.

Step 2322 can optionally be accomplished using structure attached to, orseparate from, a loading member that provides for a releasableattachment between the loading member and a sheath during use such thatthe position of the sheath can be maintained while the cannula is beingretracted into the sheath. For example, a loading member can include acollet, or flexible flaps, that extend into the passageway defined bythe loading member that are sized and configured to mate with a sheathand maintain the position of the sheath until an axial force is appliedto the sheath to remove it from the loading member.

While various steps, alternative steps, and optional steps have beendescribed above with respect to the example method 2300, these steps,alternative steps, and optional steps can be included in, accomplishedconcurrently with, and/or accomplished in the alternative to, themethod, steps, alternative steps, and/or optional steps described hereinwith respect to the example method 1900, example method 2000, examplemethod 2100, example method 2200, and/or example method 2400.

FIG. 50 is a schematic illustration of another example method 2400 ofloading an implantable medical device onto a delivery system.

A step 2402 comprises removing a cap from a storage member containing animplantable medical device. Another step 2404 comprises removing adiffuser from the storage member. Another step 2406 comprises attachinga device guard to the storage member. Another step 2408 comprisesapplying an axial force on a portion of a delivery system such that itis passed through the storage member and partially disposed within thedevice guard. Another step 2410 comprises positioning a loading pullerwithin a notch defined by a cannula of the delivery system. Another step2412 comprises applying an axial force on the cannula of the deliverysystem until the loading puller moves to its uncompressed configurationand is free of the implantable medical device. Another step 2414comprises removing the loading puller from the delivery system andloading member. Another step 2416 comprises applying an axial force on asheath of the delivery system toward the loading member whilemaintaining the position of the cannula until the sheath contacts theloading member. Another step 2418 comprises applying an axial force onthe cannula while maintaining the position of the sheath such that thecannula is withdrawn from the loading member and the medical device isadvanced into the sheath. Another step 2420 comprises removing thedelivery system from the loading member.

Step 2404 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step2304. Step 2406 can be accomplished using any suitable device guard,such as the device guards described herein. In an alternativeembodiment, step 2406 can be omitted from a method of loading animplantable medical device onto a delivery system. Step 2408 can beaccomplished using any suitable delivery system, such as the deliverysystems described herein. Depending on the arrangement of the storagemember being used in a method of loading an implantable medical deviceonto a delivery system, an implantable medical device can be wet duringthe loading process. FIGS. 51 and 51A illustrate a delivery system 2422partially disposed within the device guard 2424 and the loading puller2426 disposed within the notch 2428 defined by the cannula 2430. FIGS.52 and 52A illustrate the loading puller 2426 in the uncompressedconfiguration. FIGS. 53 and 53A illustrate the sheath 2432 advancedtoward the loading member 2434 such that it contacts the loading member2434. When disposed within a delivery system, an implantable medicaldevice can be partially disposed on a gripping member and entirelydisposed proximal to a tip. An optional step comprises implanting theimplantable medical device with a body of a patient. Another optionalstep comprises orienting the tip of the delivery system relative to theimplantable medical device using the device guard. Another optional stepcomprises removing a second cap from the loading member to expose theloading puller.

While various steps, alternative steps, and optional steps have beendescribed above with respect to the example method 2400, these steps,alternative steps, and optional steps can be included in, accomplishedconcurrently with, and/or accomplished in the alternative to, themethod, steps, alternative steps, and/or optional steps described hereinwith respect to the example method 1900, example method 2000, examplemethod 2100, example method 2200, and/or example method 2300.

The example storage devices, loading devices, guide systems, deliverysystems, and methods described herein provide a mechanism for decreasingthe complexity of sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loadingimplantable medical devices and minimizing the risk associated withhandling an implantable medical device that is intended forimplantation. For example, the example storage devices, loading devices,guide systems, delivery systems, and methods described herein provide amechanism for sterilizing, storing, rinsing, and/or loading animplantable medical device using a closed system that reduces theinteraction with the implantable medical device during sterilization,storing, rinsing, and/or loading.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications and alternatives for the described and illustratedembodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed areintended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit comprising: a loading device comprising: astorage member having a first end, a second end, and a main bodydefining a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separatingwall, and a plurality of holes, the passageway extending from the firstopening to the second opening and having a first portion and a secondportion, the separating wall extending into the passageway at a locationbetween the first end and the second end, the first portion of thepassageway extending from the first end of the storage member to theseparating wall and the second portion of the passageway extending fromthe second end of the storage member to the separating wall, the firstportion of the passageway having a first inside diameter, the secondportion of the passageway having a second inside diameter, each hole ofthe plurality of holes extending through the separating wall andproviding access between the first portion of the passageway and thesecond portion of the passageway; a first cap releasably attached to thefirst end of the storage member; a loading member releasably attached tothe second end of the storage member; and a second cap releasablyattached to the loading member; and a delivery system comprising anelongate member and a sheath, the elongate member partially disposedwithin the sheath and having an outside diameter that is less than thefirst inside diameter and the second inside diameter.